Agreement Behind Her Marriage

Lily became uncomfortable with Faye in the room and felt her head growing heavy, knowing that the woman was there to invite her to testify as a witness in Carmela’s case.

“Can I call you Lily? You can call me Faye,” the woman said earnestly.

“Yes.”

Faye continued, “I work for the legal team managing Carmela’s case, and I’m here to encourage you to speak up and make your own defense.”

The comment made Lily flinch a little. She had never met Finn’s sister before, which immediately disappointed her.

“I’ve decided not to pursue Kenneth’s or Carmela’s case any further. Faye, you probably know that I am a married woman, and I believe you know my husband if you’re Finn’s sister… I don’t want to ruin Drew because of my darkest history, which might tarnish his reputation as the Waltons’ successor.”

“But you are a victim, Lily! Yes, I know Drew, and I’m confident he will defend you! This is your chance to speak out!”

“I already have! Do you really believe it’s so simple to trust others when my family has turned their backs on me? How about you-do you believe that I am a victim? What about them-will they accept what I say in court?”

“Why not, if you can convince the judge that you’re a victim?”

Is she serious right now?

“If I can convince him?” She wanted to scoff at Faye’s illogical reasoning. “You said it yourself. It’s still an argument!”

“But-”

Lily raised her hand to stop the woman. “Faye, do you actually comprehend what you wanted from me? Before you came to Kael’s office to confront me, did you even attempt to get to know me?”

Despite her calm argument with Faye, Kael had been silent ever since she entered his office and didn’t want to involve himself. He might be worried as a result of letting Faye see her in such a sneaky way.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Lily continued, “Did you even gather information about me, Miss Lawyer, and what I went through? Or did you solely rely on the information prepared and written down on the documents in front of you?”

Although Lily felt it was wrong, she had to convey those uncomfortable truths for Faye to understand. “Do you genuinely comprehend the struggle a victim like me faces, Faye? Have you witnessed how society ridiculed Carmela? Can you grasp what it feels like to be criticized by people?”

The woman’s lips flitted open and shut, as though she didn’t know how to respond to Lily.

“Exactly! You have no idea! For fifteen years, I battled for my life and against those who mistreated me, and it was exhausting! Only now that Drew has embraced me can I breathe easily. I will reopen the anguish if I ever give in to what you desire, and my husband would undoubtedly suffer as well.

“Do you comprehend the dreadful feeling of waking up and fearing that perhaps your husband finds you repulsive? Or maybe he occasionally thinks that I am dirty in his eyes. You don’t understand, Faye!”

No matter how hard she tried to contain herself, she let out a sob. They were both women, yet no one could grasp her true feelings.

But as the door suddenly slammed open, the three of them gasped and turned their heads in that direction. Kael grimaced, while Faye swallowed nervously. Drew’s eyes were dark as Lauren followed him. The latter was taken aback to find Finn’s sister in Kael’s office.

“Faye?” Lauren asked.

“I met Lauren downstairs when I decided to follow her, and I overheard Lily while we were outside this door. I didn’t expect that something would be going on here. What is this about, Faye?” Drew walked over to Lily and wiped away the tears running down her cheeks with a worried expression.

“I’m sorry! Carmela’s lawsuit against Kenneth Martin and his friends is being handled by the company I’m currently employed by. I’m encouraging Lily to testify.”

Drew didn’t show any signs of emotion, but she could tell he was angry.

“And since you knew Drew was going to refuse, why did you corner Lily here in Kael’s office?” Lauren asked.

Faye responded, “Lauren, I’m doing this for the women! The law needs to punish Kenneth and his friends. I’m doing this for that reason. What about you, Brother Drew? Don’t you want to see those scumbags locked up?”

“What I don’t want is your interference hurting Lily! She’s right! You don’t even know what she’s going through!”

Drew’s voice echoed around the room, prompting Kael to stand up and point his fingers at her husband. “Stop shouting at Faye!”

“What now, huh? Are you two seeing each other again? As far as I know, Faye has a fiancé abroad.”

Faye couldn’t meet their gaze, avoiding the prying eyes of both Lauren and Drew.

“Oh, my God! Are you meeting in secret?” Lauren exclaimed.

“It’s none of your concern, Drew! What you should be focusing on is your wife!” Kael responded firmly.

“Well, Faye is like a sister to me! I just want her to understand that before trying to influence my wife’s decisions, she should first make the right choices in her own life!” Drew gave Finn’s sister a stern look.

If that’s the case, then I was right to assume they had been lovers all along. It’s strange to see them embracing sensually. When she walked into the office, they were likely kissing.

Lily shrugged and decided not to dwell on it any further.

“You, jerk!” Enraged, Lauren’s brother seemed ready to confront Drew, but only if the three of them weren’t present.

“Stop, Kael! I’m talking about your relationship with Faye, and I really mean it! Stop it.” Lily had never seen Lauren so furious, clenching her teeth and glaring at Kael and Faye.

“There is no relationship between us!” Kael argued.

She could only sense that he was lying, yet she said nothing.

The corner of Drew’s lips turned up. He, too, didn’t believe him.

Lily tightened her grip on her husband and shot a warning glance to leave the office. Kael and Drew don’t get along; they’re like oil and water. It’s unlikely they will see eye to eye, especially when the woman they both care about is involved in the discussion.

“We’re leaving!” Drew declared as he gently led her to the door.

“Lily…” She turned around as Faye called her name once more. This time, her voice was lowered. “Please… Will you allow the number of victims of Kenneth and his friends to increase? You clearly wanted to help.”

Without saying a word, Drew walked her out of the office. She was a little concerned that her husband had overheard her thoughts. Because Kenneth had eroded her self-confidence, she felt powerless to stop her negative thoughts.

“I’m here, babe. You’re not a filthy woman… Don’t ever think that way.” Drew hugged her in the elevator and whispered softly in her ear. “You don’t have to deal with the case Faye is working on if it makes you uncomfortable.”

“But she was right. They were giving me a chance to speak. How about you, Drew? Do you want Kenneth to serve his time in jail?”

“Of course! Nothing would please me more than for him to serve a prison sentence and regret what he did to you. I want to see him pay for it, but I won’t make the same mistake I did before, hurting you in the process.”

“You had only just begun talking to Faye, but she has already reopened your wounds. What will happen when you are in front of the court, answering all their questions? We don’t have evidence, Lily.”

Lily took her time to think before responding. Should she let the past slip away, taking no action as Faye suggests? But Drew was also right.

She is currently wrestling with an internal conflict and is uncertain about how to proceed.

Looking at Drew, she asked, “But do you want me to fight and speak out against Kenneth and the others, just in case? The potential outcome could harm us both.”

“Lily, as your husband, I absolutely want you to fight! Fight because you are telling the truth and will continue to do so. Fight because you deserve justice.”

“Then, let’s fight!”